Don’t get me wrong—everyone loves a classic chocolate chip cookie. But when those cookies start to feel more like decorations, losing their soft, lovable center and turning stale, they lose their appeal. It’s like leaving chewy Chips Ahoy in the sun for too long—the chips lose their cream, and the inside becomes hard and lifeless. This, I fear, is what has been happening to Donnie’s once-beloved rave company.

What does this mean for their future?

While it must be mentioned that there are good times to be had at Donnie Disco events no doubt about it, there seems to be a running narrative among ravers that it's event setup and clear commitment to the PLUR ideology are lacking their original luster at the very least. From inadequate shade being provided during high-temperature events to $25 lemonades, there are signs that PLUR seems to be ever so slowly being edged out of the business plan in exchange for corporate success. Which is lame asf. Donnie Disco has been one of the leaders in the EDM industry for quite some time, and with that being said this article is not a hit piece but rather a "Where's early 2000s Kanye? :(" of the rave throwing industry. Seriously though, they served non-potable water at the Texas Eclipse Festival in April.. And then cancelled the event two days early. Seems like pretty poor preparation or execution or something for having sold over fifty thousand tickets. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot to mention a friend of mines unfortunate encounter with a security guard who completely misused their authority. I watched him go through security to have his THC-A in a plastic container, which was compliant with the rules mentioned on the website, get confiscated because it "smelled strong as shit." Its a legal Texas product bought in Texas with the proper labeling on it that it was 0.3%. That doesn't matter though when you have to keep a line moving and making a scene over a couple grams isn't worth it. It gets better too, the female security officer had her whole side of security shut down because she was screaming at who looked like the head officer of the crew for "touching people all wrong and stealing their personal items", which is exactly what happened to my friend 

In The Beginning...

In the early 1990s, Donnie Disco was still operating under aliases before adopting the iconic name Disco Donnie Presents. Even then, his events embodied the PLUR ethos, focusing on curating memorable venues, booking top-tier talent, and fostering a welcoming vibe with thoughtful security measures. This commitment to the “everyman” was key to his success in an exploding EDM scene. However, many ravers feel that this focus has shifted. Today, the emphasis seems to be on catering to the highest-paying customers—a move that feels distinctly un-Peace-and-Love. When companies prioritize headcounts and profits over the experience, the community suffers. The soul of the festival begins to fade, replaced by a hollow, corporate sheen. In fact many ravers believe that as soon as this behavior is spotted within a company that it's soul has been stolen or simply left the original project that many members of the community supported and came to love. It's fine that it's become that way in the interest of securing large investors and throwing giant events but it must be noted when the interest of the company becomes just that, a head-count cash grab. The moment customers are treated as statistics, quality inevitably suffers. This cannot be ignored. This to me is the "corporate paradox." In the next section I'll break down what it means to let this pretty little corporate streamlined structure that often has a bow on it into a music festival and how it slowly erodes what once was.

The Corporate Paradox at Donnie Disco’s Events

As Donnie Disco’s events have grown, so too has the sense of disconnect for ravers who feel the soul of PLUR—peace, love, unity, and respect—has been overshadowed by the drive for size and market reach. What began as grassroots gatherings with a raw, inclusive energy now carries the polished, impersonal feel of large-scale corporate productions. This shift embodies the corporate paradox: the larger an event becomes, the less it serves the individual, and the more it caters to the demands of profit and efficiency. In rave culture, authenticity is everything. Attendees seek connection, freedom, and an escape from the cold structures of the corporate world. However, as Donnie Disco’s events have scaled, the hallmarks of this culture—spontaneity, inclusion, and community—seem to have taken a backseat to logistics and branding. High ticket prices, VIP tiers, and heavy sponsorships create a sense of exclusivity that contradicts the egalitarian spirit ravers cherish. Instead of welcoming all with open arms, the events now feel designed to process and profit from the masses.

This corporate influence not only alienates original fans but also dilutes the very ideology that made rave culture unique. PLUR isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a lived experience where everyone feels equal, connected, and valued. But when events prioritize size and revenue, the result is often an atmosphere that feels transactional rather than transformative. To thrive without losing their essence, Donnie Disco’s events must reconnect with the values that built their foundation. Offering more affordable options, prioritizing grassroots artists, and fostering genuine community engagement could bridge the gap between growth and authenticity. Without these changes, the soul of the movement risks being consumed by the very structures ravers are trying to escape. 

This year our very own Justin Cummins traveled to Arkansas to see what Wakaan was all about. He volunteered with @shifthappens with a few of our other friends to experience the magic of the mountain, and it was nothing short of just that. With a setup consisting of four giant different stages, the whole mountain was buzzing with bass for the entirety of the festival. Not much sleep was to be had but who wants to sleep at a place like that. There was non-stop music and entertainment everywhere. Many many campers hung out outside and around their areas and everyone was on the same page about leaving the bad vibes at home. You can really tell that there is a large effort that goes into making Wakaan about the music and the community that supports it. Unlike Donnie Disco, but that's a different blog. There were various alters and interesting art installations alike all over the mountain. From performers to security and all other staff, you could feel that everyone was there to have a good time. Seriously. Read the Donnie Disco blog. 
        Wakaan was an event like no other. According to all the Wakaan frequenters, the past years were good, but this year exceeded any and all expectations. Wakaan itself is a record label owned by Martin Staaf (Liquid Stranger). Wakaan is known for being home to the weird, wild, and wonderful. This is because their target artists are those looking to innovate and bring creativity and a positive vibe to everything they do. This ensures that the label not only promotes the best innovative talents in the bass and EDM music community, but that those artists all contribute to the main goal which is celebrating and creating music whilst setting up shop in one of the most serene and scenic festival settings in the contiguous United States. Wakaan is an annual music festival which just saw it's fourth successful year of festivities and killer music all over the mountain. This year, the lineup consisted of some of the biggest names in EDM including, LSDream, INZO, Subtronics, Zeds Dead, TVBOO, Liquid Stranger, Zen Selecta, Lumasi, and Levity, and that's not even 10% of all the artists that were there!

What is the Meaning of Wakaan?
Wakaan as a name was selected for the label and to represent the music festival itself because Wakaan in its spiritual energy meaning is the female essence of God, the egg of all creation, the great mystery of Grand Mother Earth who births life and nature. Cares for us, loves us, and provides us a home in this universe. So think of Wakaan as a label like the polar opposite of Bad Boy Records in ideology. Everyone knows the music industry is a mess and everyone knows big-time record labels take advantage of artists and treat art like a consumable commodity rather than give it the respect it deserves. Wakaan on the other hand is a music festival brand who's focus is on community and supporting artists that make it at every stage of their careers. The brand supports artists with creative direction, live events, and personal well-being. As far as I can tell, some of the largest names in the bass music industry work with or are signed to the label and the goal remains the same. Provide cutting edge technology with the best artists in the genre to the community at one of the most beautiful locations on Mother Earth. I would encourage all who are able to clear your plans because Wakaan is a must visit if you consider yourself a rave-aficianado!

For children with disabilities, the arts can be a powerful tool for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. But as a parent, you might not know how to best support your child’s involvement in the arts. With the right strategies and resources, parents can play a crucial role in helping children with disabilities benefit from artistic experiences. Today, Rudaroo Radio explores how you can help your child engage with the arts, including practical tips and guidance for creating an inclusive and supportive environment at home.
 
Explore Multimedia
 
Encouraging your child to explore creating art through multimedia can be a wonderful way to nurture their creativity. One exciting avenue is making videos, which combines visual art, storytelling, and technology.
 
Get them set up with online video creator tools that are both easy to use and high quality. These tools will enable your child to experiment with different styles, add special effects, and share their creations with friends and family. By providing them with the right resources, you can help them develop new skills and express themselves in unique and engaging ways.
 
Create an At-Home Art Space
 
If you're thinking about creating a new multi-purpose room for crafting and arts, it's important to consider the necessary updates and modifications that will make the space functional and comfortable for your child. Some key updates might include installing proper lighting, adding storage solutions, and choosing durable flooring and surfaces that can withstand wear and tear.
 
Keep in mind that any updates or modifications made to your home should be tracked and documented. This will allow you to report all updates to your appraiser in the future, which can help secure a higher appraisal value should you decide to sell your home.
 
Adapt Activities to Your Child’s Needs
 
Adapting art activities to your child's unique needs and abilities is an important step in creating a successful and enjoyable artistic experience. This might involve modifying materials or techniques to accommodate your child's physical limitations or adjusting the pace and structure of activities to suit their learning style.
 
For example, if your child has limited hand mobility, Love That Max suggests providing them with larger or easier-to-grip art tools or encouraging them to use their feet or mouth to paint or draw. These adaptations will ensure your child feels empowered and included in the artistic process.
 
Starting Your Own Art-Related Business
 
Teaching your child about art can be an unexpectedly inspiring journey, one that might even spark the idea of starting your own art-related business. As you explore various art forms with your child, from classical paintings to modern installations, you may discover a newfound passion or rekindle a latent one. This exploration can lead to creative business ideas where your artistic skills can be turned into a professional venture.
 
For instance, if you have a flair for beautiful handwriting, becoming a calligrapher offers an opportunity to create elegant, bespoke pieces for events or branding. If you have an eye for aesthetics, working as a stylist, whether in fashion, interiors, or events, allows you to use your creative vision to craft visually stunning experiences. Teaching art to your child not only cultivates their appreciation for creativity but can also be a catalyst for pursuing your own artistic and entrepreneurial dreams.
 
Expose Your Child to Various Art Forms
 
Encouraging your child to explore different art forms, such as music, dance, theater, and visual arts, can help them broaden their horizons and develop new skills. Additionally, exposure to various art forms can help your child discover new and exciting ways to express themselves while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts as a whole. Whether this means taking your child to see a musical, attending a ballet class, or introducing them to a new artist, exposing your child to different art forms is an important part of their artistic development!
 
Create and Clean
 
Engaging in art projects together is a wonderful way to bond and foster creativity, but it's important to remember that it can often be a messy affair. Paints, clay, glitter, and other materials can easily spread beyond the canvas, making cleanup an essential part of your art lessons. Incorporating cleanup into the routine not only teaches responsibility but also respects the space you're working in.
 
To keep this aspect fun and engaging, consider turning the cleanup process into a game. You can set a timer to see how quickly you can tidy up, or create a playful challenge to sort and organize art supplies. This approach not only makes the less glamorous part of art-making more enjoyable but also instills good habits in your child, ensuring that they understand and participate in the full process of creating art, from the first brushstroke to the final tidy-up.
 
Celebrate Your Child’s Artistic Achievements
 
Celebrating your child's artistic achievements is an important part of nurturing their creativity and building their self-esteem, particularly when they have a disability. There are many ways to celebrate your child's artistic accomplishments, including displaying their artwork in your home or at school, sharing their work with friends and family, or entering their pieces into local art competitions. This can help your child feel valued and supported while also encouraging them to continue exploring their artistic passions.
 
By creating a more inclusive and supportive environment in your home, you can help your children engage with the arts and experience the transformative power of creativity. You might even discover a passion for teaching art yourself and wind up launching a business! By celebrating your child's artistic achievements and providing opportunities for them to grow and explore, you can help them build confidence, express themselves, and find joy in the creative process.
 
Rudaroo Radio is creating a worldwide network of musicians and fans that all help each other in our musical endeavors. Think of it as a global musical family. Visit our website to learn more!


Written and contributed to Rudaroo by Patrick Young. 

              Rudaroo’s original headquarter is in San Diego, CA but the founder grew up in the small city of Stephenville, Texas. Now Jade is going to college at Tarleton State University to get that piece of paper to back up the 10 years marketing experience he already has. It’s a big win for Jade and that means that RUDAROO is setting up shop in Stephenville! We already have a brand new morning show called The SNEWS Late Morning Show out of Jade’s house right across the street from the Tarleton football stadium. The show is about everything and nothing at the same time. You’ll get the weather, some news you probably didn’t hear anywhere else, and some funny stories and interesting dialogue. It’s the perfect mix of light chit chat for easy listening to start your day. Click here for more about that.

                   We plan on making a big impact in the community here and we recognize the gap that needs to be filled. Stephenville is rooted in tradition and is growing fast. We are ready to keep the traditions alive and strong while adapting enough to the incoming growth and diversity. We already hosted three events of our own including an LJT After Party, a rave, and an end of year bash for the students at Tarleton that were all a great success. The rave had over 600 attendees! Our listenership is growing like crazy and we have had over 700 bands apply to have their music on RUDAROO Radio in the last ten days! That campaign just started and already has a reach of over 180,000 people. That being said this is the time to contact the team and get your music or business in front of hundreds of thousands of potential customers. We have a limited number of spots open for sponsors and they are filling quickly and only 50 bands per month get their music added to the rotation so the competition is stiff. 
​
                       Contact us today for more info on what we do or to get a quote for your marketing needs. We are excited to be a part of this amazing community where we grew up!

Cheers,
-Justin Cummins
Sales Director
(817) 550-3995
[email protected]

Oh reeeeaaallly?
      That was the first thing I thought upon entering the venue at Dino Hills Disc Golf Farm for a Rock/EDM camping festival called Emergence. See, I love disc golf and never expected a music festival to be hosted at a course but this was the perfect spot. The venue is a sprawling set of fields separated by lines of trees and old wooden buildings that stir up nostalgic memories for anybody from small town Texas and it's all surrounded by the Chalk Mountains. The GA camping area was perfectly nestled amongst a grove of trees making plenty of room for hammocks and tents and fire pits for night time jam sessions. The walk from the camping to the stage and vendor area was short, well lit, and mostly flat so no huffing and puffing to get around all day. There were plenty of restrooms and you could play a round of disc golf and still be out of the way of the fest which was a pleasant surprise. 
       
      This is not the first festival put on by Metta Productions but it was the first Emergence and the line-up was amazing. I, honestly, had not heard of any of the acts before but that has never stopped me from going to a show. Actually, I prefer to not listen to the recorded stuff before I hear a new artist live. This gives me the most real and honest take on any new music because you can always tell how talented someone really is when you hear them live. I am so glad to have been introduced to so many great new sounds! It started out with DMTree (great name), a newly formed band from Stephenville with a driving dark sound and beautiful, melancholy melodies sang by Georgie Jonez. They remind me a bit of one of my favorite bands ever, Tool, but with a female lead. Cosmic Cowboys brought the funk to town! I just couldn't stop moving and those outfits were on point. Every band that played was fantastic and I would be stoked to see any one of them live again but my personal favorite band of the day had to be Heavy Daze. I have never heard a band that could play with the tempo of a single song so well. They could speed up and slow down on a whim and it still somehow all flowed beautifully. The push and pull that this created was alluring and surprising and I found my jaw on the floor several times. 
        
          Almametta was the first DJ set and she killed it. She was a great transition between the different style acts and set the tone for the night to come and then the sun went down and oh man! Once it was dark, the visual performers busted out the fire and lights and started flowing. In a mesmerizing display of dance and light more than a dozen different performers took turns doing what they do best. I have seen plenty of spinning in my day and this group of artists were collectively masters of this ancient craft. The laser and lights that Liquid Skies Entertainment brought out were also top notch. I found myself staring at the trees behind the crowd, watching the beams of lights dance among the leaves and hillsides and caught more than one attendee doing the same. 
        
         Every single DJ brought another level of interaction with the crowd. Kyx put out the chill vibes and gave us the breath we needed to make it through the rest of the night. There was even a surprise artist that wasn't on the bill. Nick, one-half of the duo group Vanilla Guerrillas from Dallas, made it out and turned up the party instantly. Uggz is probably one of the best mixers I have ever heard and TarXan's ways with tone and time could make you wobble right out of your pants. The EDM portion of this festival was just as good as some of the biggest festivals I have been to and I'm sure that you will catch these artists soon at festivals everywhere. 

         Overall I would give this fest a 3.5 out of 5. The only reason being is it was it's first year so of course there are things to improve. More vendors would be nice especially for food and there also could have been some more art installations and interactive things to do for the attendees. However, I would come back for the music alone. It is clear that Metta Productions knows the who's who and how to book great acts and they know how to throw a good party. The visual performances, lights, venue, camping, and the people who attended were all amazing. I can only imagine what they have in store for the next event and cannot wait to attend again. This festival is definitely going on my list of "must attend" for 2023. 

              In recent years, bands such as The Struts, Greta Van Fleet, Gary Clark Jr, Alabama Shakes, and many other artists who possess a classic rock sound, have given a revival to the rock genre. This resurgence of rock music has provided a platform for artists to write, produce, and perform music that lets us know rock music is still alive and well. The band Melted Vinyl does just that with their recently released EP, Lights We Chase.

          Melted Vinyl is a group based out of Los Angeles and has sold out shows at multiple venues including The Roxy, The Troubadour, The Whiskey, and The Canyon Club. They have also provided support for Jefferson Starship, Slash, and Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe. The songs “Dog Fight” and “Look to the Sky” off their 2016 self-titled EP were featured in Sony Pictures film, Accident Man.

        Six-time Grammy-nominated producer Joel Hamilton (The Black Keys, Highly Suspect, Nora Jones) recorded their latest EP. The album has everything you would want to hear from a rock band; distortion, guitar solos, meaningful lyrics, and a tasteful amount of wailing. The album has classic rock, blues, and grunge qualities; however, the band manages to maintain their own original flavor. The album opens with “Beyond”, a melodic track with a power-ballad vibe and a smooth guitar riff. The band also released a music video directed by Steven Conteras for the song.

            Another track worth noting is “Synthetic Love.”  The groovy bassline drives this song, which you do not hear often enough, but when done well can make for a killer tune. Rock music is a lot of time synonymous with loud, up-tempo, and in your face, but sometimes less is more. This song has a bluesy feel and brings you back to the roots of rock.

           Every rock album needs a song you can bang your head to. “Dionysus” is that song.  Presumably named after the ancient Greek god of winemaking, “Zeus is laughing ‘cause I can’t hold down my wine,” this is one you cannot help but bounce in accordance with (it also features the wails aforementioned.) It feels good to see a generation of artists contributing to keep rock music alive. Melted Vinyl is youthful (band members were born in this millennia) so seeing how the band develops creatively over time is something to look forward to.

That's right, you read that correctly! LiveNation and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts are partnering to revive the iconic festival in 2019 for the 50th anniversary. 

Michael Lang, the man behind the original Woodstock in 1969, is excited about the revival. "[Woodstock] is the original and most famous festival brand. With the prevalence of festivals out there, and all the excitement about them, maybe it’s time for that," Lang said regarding the Woodstock revival in an interview with the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Taking place on August 16-18, 2019, the festival will host a line-up of renowned artists from all genres and decades as well as TED-style presentations. 

The festival tried to come back in the 90's and it didn't do so well. Feel free to see what I mean here. Personally I love the idea of Woodstock. A bunch of hippies coming together to share a moment of music and love might be exactly what this country needs right now. Let's just hope we don't have a repeat of the 1999 attempt of the festival. 

Good luck and God speed Woodstock organizers. Rudaroo will see you there!

It seems like a new festival is popping up around the country every week and most first year festies tend to slack in certain areas making it difficult for attendees to want to come back again. This was not the case for Same Same But Different. 

The first thing I have to mention is the venue. Lake Perris, CA is 90 minutes from both LA and San Diego making it extremely accessible. It just so happens to also be one of the most beautiful areas of Southern CA that I have been to so far. The lake is way bigger than expected and the water was clear and the perfect temp for swimming. The beach was huge and clean and the mountains to the South were stunning. While taking a quick dip in the lake, fellow festival goer and amazingly fun human being, Brett, offered me a chance to take his paddle board out and I couldn't say no. Between the layers of mountains in the distance, the sunset gleaming off the water and the smooth glide of that paddle board I had a moment of pure bliss. 

Recently, Rudaroo moved to a coastal suburb of San Diego known as Ocean Beach. Affectionately referred to as OB, this neighborhood is unlike any other place on Earth. The wild parrots that make their rounds at sunrise everyday are our alarm clocks. During conversation we celebrate the OB Pause every few minutes as planes interrupt our thoughts. And don't get me started about traffic (there's none on the beach)! Atop it all, the sheer beauty of this place and the attitude of the people who live here bring a unexpected and unique, neighborly element for the Rudacrew.

The OB Pier is 1,971 feet long making it the longest concrete pier on the West Coast. Built for local fisherman it is now visited by over half a million tourists each year. There are some easy-access tide pools located under the pier where you will find a plethora of sea creatures. Check out the OB Tide Table, then take a southerly trail from the tide pools towards Sunset Cliffs: a place known as one of the best spots in California to view the suns daily departure. This trail takes credit for introducing most of the members of the Rudacrew.
​

The fact that it's a traffic nightmare to get out of OB every day is a blessing and a curse. It creates a sort of bubble, the makings for a small town feel in the middle of a big city. Just add beach living and you have what makes the people of OB the most genuinely friendly people you'll ever meet. Not that shallow, southern hospitality-style friendliness, but the type of kindness that comes from a genuine love and respect for all people. OBtians are the perfect example of the work-hard/play-hard lifestyle. These folks surf or do yoga to start their days before heading in to work at coffee shops and boutiques. Then, after their shift, they head to a local brewery for a couple pints before the weekly (Wednesday) OB Farmer's Market, followed by the drum circle on Abbott and Newport (also every Wednesday), and ending with new friends at a bonfire on the beach. It's the kind of day that most people expect on vacation (minus the work part), and we get to live it!

Newport Avenue and its side streets have some of the coolest shops, eateries and bars in all of San Diego, and every single one is more than affordable. ​There are 7 breweries in the 742 acres that make up OB (about 1 square mile), and 6 of them are located on or within one block of Newport Ave. A true staple of OB is Hodad's, known to have one of the best burgers in California. South Beach Bar and Grill is a frequent stop for the Rudacrew, especially on Taco Tuesday or Thursday where you can get two huge tacos and a beer for under 10 bucks! The best place to grab your morning cup of joe is The Coffee Method, where hand-crafted beverages meet floral arrangements for a relaxing atmosphere. Get a badass, new look for your hair over at The Electric Chair (featured in Almost Famous). Happy Hour at Sunshine Saloon is from 5-6pm everyday and offers all pitchers half-off. There's even an ice cream shop where you can get an ice cream sandwich made with blueberry waffles and bacon!

Coming to Ocean Beach has been a dream come true. We are incredibly lucky to live in a place of such humbling beauty among people who we can grow and flourish with as we navigate through this crazy world on a path to happiness and success. Hope you can come visit us here soon!